One of the most important parts of my weekly rhythm is having a few hours to myself on Tuesday nights. I have a standing babysitting appointment every Tuesday—something I’ve come to rely on as a regular break in the week. I don’t always do anything elaborate with the time, but having it carved out feels like a reset button midweek.

Last Tuesday, I got lucky in a different way—a friend of mine was unexpectedly free, and we made last-minute plans to meet up.

We ended up in Adams Morgan, one of DC’s liveliest neighborhoods, and had a great night. We started at RetroBottega, where the food hit the spot. It was warm inside, the kind of place where you can settle in without thinking too much about the time. We lingered over pasta, catching up without interruption, enjoying the simple pleasure of a meal made by someone else.

We ordered bourbon cocktails that came with cherries, and when we asked for a few extra, the bartender was incredibly gracious about it. He smiled, handed over a generous portion, and we laughed at how excited we were over cocktail garnishes. It’s funny how those small interactions can leave such a good impression.

After dinner, we walked to Hotbed Comedy, where they host a free Tuesday night show. It’s a chance for comedians to try out new material—some of it had us laughing hard, and some of it… needs a little work. But that’s the fun of it. The energy was casual and experimental, the kind of vibe where you’re in on the process, not just the polished version. We stayed for a few sets and really enjoyed watching people take creative risks on stage.

Before heading home, we made one last stop at Van Leeuwen for ice cream. It was the perfect way to end the night. We sat outside for a few minutes, chatting and enjoying our scoops before I went home to relieve the babysitter.

Not too bad for a school night.

It felt good to be out—eating real food at a table with a friend, hearing live voices tell jokes into a mic, walking through the city without rushing. Nights like this don’t need to be rare or overly planned to be worth it. A little room in the schedule, a friend who says yes, and a few hours out can shift the whole week in the right direction.